Southgate Stake Trek Teaches Youth to Do Hard Things!

The day before the Southgate Stake Trek, the youth attended the temple and did baptisms for their ancestors.  The next morning eighteen young men and women, three couples of Ma’s and Pa’s and many other stake and activity committee members from the Bloomington 7^th Ward set out for three days in the Kaibab Forest near the Grand Canyon. On Day One we met our family and started making a banner for our handcart.  Finally we had everyone loaded up and headed out. Along the way we were introduced to some vignettes which talked about couples trekking along the Honeymoon trail for weeks and weeks to get sealed in the St George temple. Another told of an old Indian who followed a couple for hours to warn them of danger. The last one talked about how they had to get water by digging a hole and straining the mud through cloth. That day we trekked 9 miles of which the last mile or so was all up hill. 

First thing the next morning was the women’s pull. Sister Kerr talked to the women and said they were going to be asked to do something hard but the leaders had full faith we could do it. The trail was a tough uphill, rocky climb. Everyone was silent while the men and boys looked on, itching to help. Once a handcart reached the top the girls all rushed down to help the other carts make it up. At the top we had a little fireside and time to reflect on what we just accomplished. The rest of the day was about five miles.  

Once we got to camp and set up we had the opportunity to play pioneer games, sack races, stick pull, and tug-of-war. The Ma’s and Pa’s were crowned kings and queens of the tug of war. After dinner we heard stories about Samoan pioneers who first joined the church in their families. Next was the hoe down. The youth got to learn different dances and change partners so they all had a chance to dance with each other. It was a great time and all the youth enjoyed themselves.

The next morning we set out on a mile hike. Along the way the Stake Presidency taught about covenants and staying on the covenant path. At the top of the hill there was a beautiful overlook of the Grand Canyon. Before we started trekking for the day President Bown asked us to kneel around him as he gave a priesthood blessing on the whole company, especially the youth. It was a powerful moment and a great experience.  We only had a few more miles to trek that day until we reached the end and caravanned home.  There were a few blisters, hurt feet and knees but everyone arrived home safe and sound.